“Why are dental implants so expensive in Australia?” is a question that many often find themselves asking. Implants are an important procedure that effectively replaces missing teeth. But, if you ask any dentistry professional in Australia for a quote on implants, you’ll get a cost ranging in the thousands per implant.
At first glance, this expensive procedure can be quite intimidating. But, there are two things you have to keep in mind:
- This is a procedure that effectively and permanently replaces an entire tooth.
- It takes significant effort and contains a lot of different parts.
We’ve put together this guide to help you feel at ease when you need to consider the finances concerning your next implant procedure.
Okay, so why are dental implants so expensive in Australia?
There are multiple reasons why the cost of this procedure is high. But they all make sense, especially when you consider them all together. They cover each of the different parts that go into the implant process; from the logistics that go into organising the procedure, to the effort and resources that go into enacting the procedure, to the financial pillars in place that influence the cost of the procedure.
Reason #1 – Dental Implants are a complicated process
Implants are not an easy process to enact, which adds to their cost and how expensive they are. While, at Greenvale Dental Group, our professional dentists are qualified and well-versed in every part of the implant process, that does not mean that each implant procedure they are partaking in doesn’t come with a level of difficulty.
The implant procedure typically involves four appointments, one of which involves a delicate surgical procedure. That means that there is a lot of time and effort involved, as well as componentry and laboratory fees, which affects the cost and how expensive your implant is.
First appointment
The dentist will ascertain your suitability and discuss the procedure at length and answer any questions you have. You will then be provided with a treatment plan including a quote and an information booklet. X-rays and scans will also need to be taken to know the placement of the implant.
Second appointment
You will have minor surgery where the implant(s) will be put into your jawbone. Patients will then have a healing period of 8-12 weeks while the bone grows around the implant.
Third appointment
Impressions of the healed implant are then taken and the shade for the new crown or bridge will be ascertained to that of your natural surrounding teeth.
Fourth appointment
Your new tooth or teeth are inserted and screwed into the foundation.
Reason #2 – Dental Implants contain multiple parts
Implants are posts made of titanium, surgically positioned into the bone to support a crown or a bridge. An implant looks close to natural teeth and over time, integrating to your natural jawbone. An artificial tooth or crown is attached to the implant to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.
So, to break it down, an implant consists of:
- A porcelain crown that resembles natural tooth
- An implant abutment, which is the connector between a crown and an implant
- The implant itself, which screws into place and serves as the foundation for the crown
Just like the effort needed for an implant procedure, the resources needed cost money as well, which can make the process more expensive.
Reason #3 – Dental Implants are not covered by Medicare
The services of medicare include:
- Full or partial payment for many healthcare services for Australian citizens and permanent residents
- Payment of fees based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
- Additional fee support to those who incur higher-than-usual medical costs via the Medicare Safety Net
Medicare is the backbone for Australia’s healthcare system, being a publicly funded universal health care insurance scheme that provides Australian citizens access to most of the health care services in Australia, alleviating the cost.
However, most dentistry procedures are not covered under Medicare, and an implant is one of those procedures, as they are not considered a necessary procedure. This results in their expensive pricing.
What if I need a dental implant?
At Greenvale Dental Group, we want to make dentistry procedures accessible to anybody that needs it, even if said procedures are expensive. Hence, If you have trouble with the payments for your dentistry implant in Melbourne, we have alternative payment plans available to help with that cost.
Greenvale Dental Group accepts all major credit and debit cards. We also accept all insurance cards, and are preferred providers for BUPA, Medibank and HCF, which usually gives you more rebates and lower prices. We can also help you apply for a MacCredit or TLC loan, which are special, low interest lines of credit specifically designed for medical and dentistry treatments, if you would like to consider payment plans. Application is online and approval is usually within 24 hours.
An itemised quote plus treatment plans will be provided at your consultation, so you will know what to expect regarding the tooth filling cost Melbourne. Our team will also assist in easing the financial burden of your treatment plan if possible, by spreading your appointments. Talk to our friendly staff about your preferred options.
Where can I get an affordable dental implant in the northern suburbs of Melbourne?
Greenvale Dental Group in Melbourne’s northern suburbs (Australia) can provide a dentistry implant that isn’t too expensive. Whether you’re looking for a dentistry implant to replace a single tooth or a row of teeth, we can discuss a suitable dentistry implant procedure for you.
You don’t need to be referred to by a surgeon as Dr Soraya Eakins consults and treats patients seeking a dentistry implant in Melbourne at our practice. Dr Eakins has over 30 years of experience in dentistry and has completed advanced surgical training in dentistry implanting in Australia and overseas, including a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry at the University of Miami and at the International College of Oral Implantology.
Our Dental Practice in Australia specialises in more than just a dental implant. We also cover various dental disciplines such as:
We are so known for our high quality dental implant work that isn’t too expensive, that we have patients visit our clinic from Greenvale and surrounding suburbs like Craigieburn, Tullamarine, Pascoe Vale, Airport West, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Attwood, Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows, Campbellfield and Donnybrook.
Dr Soraya is the principal dentist and owner of Greenvale Dental Group with over 25 years’ experience in the field of dentistry.
Soraya’s areas of treatment include general dentistry, dental emergencies, dental implants, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and crown and bridge dentures.
You can find more about Dr. Soraya Eakins through her LinkedIn, or you can book an appointment with her through HotDoc.
Just like you, we ponder on the same question often: what is so unique about dental implants that make them expensive?
Perhaps you don’t understand how expensive dental implants can be.
Here’s a clue: a single dental implant, on average, costs the same as a complete set of dentures.
Now, doesn’t that seem outrageous? That begs the question: why do dental implants cost so much?
This article will provide answers to your questions. And to understand even better, we will walk you through the basics of dental implants and what makes them so expensive.
Understanding Your Dental Implants – The Expensive Teeth Replacement Aids
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are one of the numerous tooth replacement options. Unlike most, they are permanent and the most natural.
By natural, we mean that dental implants fit into your jawbone as your teeth would.
Beautifully, you can care for the implants like you would your natural teeth. By that, we mean you can brush twice daily and even floss. You don’t need any night removals or soaking in a cleaning liquid!
How can dental implants feel like natural tooth?
First, the procedure involves surgery. Also, dental implants are direct replacements for your missing teeth. In the place of roots, they have screw-line titanium bases.
These bases osteo-integrates with your jawbone to create the perfect replacement of your missing tooth. And thanks to titanium metal, dental implants are as tough as natural teeth.
Different Types Of Dental Implants
Dental implants are generally of two kinds:
- Endosteal implants
- Subperiosteal implants
Endosteal Implants
These kinds are more like the typical definition of dental implants. Here, a dentist will create an opening in your jawbone.
This opening is usually at the lost tooth for direct replacement. After, the dentist inserts the implant, allows it to integrate with your bone, and then he fits the crown.
Subperiosteal Implants
Unlike endosteal, subperiosteal doesn’t need deep cuts into your jawbones. Instead, these implants can make do with sitting on the bones or even your gum.
Subperiosteal implants are almost similar to how dentures work. However, there are no adhesives, and the process involves surgery, and it is permanent.
Instead of adhesives, dentists employ a similar process as grafting for subperiosteal teeth. They open a cut on your gum and insert the implants until it merges with your jawbones.
Either way, both endosteal and subperiosteal implants are permanent teeth replacement options. The former, however, is more popular.
Nevertheless, there are cases where subperiosteal implants are a better fit. Examples of such instances are when you don’t have enough bone to support the endosteal option.
Regardless of the two options you use, dental implants still trump all other teeth replacement procedures. But why?
Why Are Dental Implants The Best Teeth Replacement Option?
Aesthetics
No other teeth replacement option comes close to dental implants’ beauty. They are the perfect replica of your natural white delights.
Overall, these implants complement your dentition. With them, you can smile as usual without fear of some part of your teeth looking odd.
Convenience
Unlike other teeth replacement aid, dental implants are the most convenient. Indeed, you will experience mild pains at the onset. Such setbacks will subside with time.
After the early pains, the use of dental implants is as easy and natural as your teeth. With them, you won’t need intensive oral care. All you need is adequate hygiene.
Durability
Dental implants can last for decades – even till your last breath. This feature is perhaps their most prominent benefit.
Indeed, you will spend big on dental implants upfront. Afterwards, you won’t cough up additional or renewal bills.
In all, these implants are worth all the troubles and expenses. About expenses, just how much do dental implants cost?
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost In Australia?
Regardless of your location across the six states of Australia, you can expect similar quotes for your dental implants. That said, note that only your preferred dentist can give you an exact figure.
Nevertheless, here is the average:
If you want a dental implant for a single tooth replacement, the bills could amount from $4000. Should you require additional surgical processes such as bone grafting, the expenses could rise to about $11,500. For multiple teeth replacement, a dental implants procedure will cost up to $7500.
Why Are Dental Implants Expensive?
The usual pricey cost of dental implants is down to three factors:
Precision And Expertise
Unlike other teeth replacement options, dental implant procedures require laser focus. Any mistake and you can suffer irreparable damage to your dentition.
For that reason, only top dentists work on the processes. Unfortunately, precision and expertise lead to more money.
Time
Dental implants aren’t quick fixes. It takes time to fit and heal, and that could take up to a year.
First, you book an appointment with your dentist – where he examines your teeth. Then, he inserts the screw-like implant. That’s not all!
After the insertion, you go home for up to 3-6months for your jawbone to adjust and integrate into the implants. After, you go back to the dentist to fit the crown. All that back and forth undoubtedly leads to more bills!
The Material
The titanium metal in itself is expensive. And it is so because of the durability and safety.
An inferior material could easily infect your teeth. And plastic is even out of the equation. Why?
If dental implants had been plastic, they wouldn’t last. Worse: they would eventually wear off and be misfits for your mouth.
That leads us to the last question: if dental implants are so expensive, should you choose dentures instead?
Should You Pick Dentures Over Dental Implants?
Firstly, both options meet different requirements. Dentures are fit for complete teeth replacement. Plus, they don’t need bones; they can easily stick to your gums.
Dental implants, on the other hand, are perfect for a few teeth replacement. Then, you will consider the bone requirements. Another factor to consider is cost.
Indeed, dentures are more affordable than dental implants. Still, the former (unlike the latter) are often part of most insurance companies’ plans.
Overall, we will advise you to stick to dental implants. Their benefits outweigh their costs. Plus, they are often one-time fixes.
Final Thoughts
Dental implants merit all their attributable expenses. When you consider the expertise, time, and material, you will see that the price is a bargain. Moreover, good health is never too expensive.